5 comments about Young, Gifted and Black.

1. Yep, YGB is one of the soul masterpieces of the early 70's. I can't possibly add anything more to all of the excellent reviews here, except this:
   
   The 3 cuts that SHOULD have been released with this reissue from the beginning as bonus material are now finally available on the 'Rare and Unreleased Recordings From The Golden Reign Of The Queen Of Soul' set. (Smooth title, eh? Whew.)
   
   Those cuts -- Heavenly Father, I Need A Strong Man, and My Cup Runneth Over -- were recorded during the YGB sessions, according to the excellent liner notes written by David Nathan. Each of them are easily the equal of anything that made it to the final album.
   
   The 'Golden Reign' is essential for any Aretha fan on its own merits. But if you specifically like the sound Aretha had on YGB, you should check it out for those 3 tracks (or purchase them on iTunes or something). You will wonder how in the world they were left off the original YGB release!



2. Chronologically speaking, this is Aretha's last "classic" album. Let's just call it what it is and say it's amazing, shall we? Good idea. Funk is the new element here, and she hits the nail on the head on songs like "Rock Steady" and the orchestrated "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)" - the answer being "yes". She also proves her capabilities to embody other people's songs; a soulful "I've Been Loving You Too Long"; a gospel version of "The Long and Winding Road"; Elton John's "Border Song". She also does the tried-and-true wonderfully: the lush "Day Dreaming"; soul shouting on "Oh Me, Oh My" and the gospel-influenced title song; Motown-like R&B on "Brand New Me". The only weak songs are the two cheesy ballads: "First Snow in Kokomo" and "April Fools". Otherwise, this is one hell of an album.



3. OK this album was orignally released when I had just turned five. Although these songs were playing in the background of my early years, I now have the opportunity and the understanding to really hear these songs.
   
   From Oh me Oh My to the final selection Border Song. Aretha does not miss a beat. I have not yet listened to all of Franklin's albums, but this is the best I've heard so far. I recommend this album for anyone who has an appreciation for "real" music. On this CD you can hear why her voice is considered a natural treasure and understand why she is a legend.
   
   Songs, Lyrics, Musicians, and Voice all come together in perfect form. Aretha you are a legend and this CD is a masterpiece.



4. As a child growing-up in the '60s and '70s, I can remember my mom not taking hold of the Aretha Franklin movement very well. She always considered her more of a screamer than a singer. But with the release of this album, and especially the single "Day Dreaming", her attitude towards her took a full turn in another direction. "Day Dreaming" had many continuous plays in our household for some weeks to come. Then one of my brothers purchased the complete album "Young, Gifted and Black" and it received continuous play from me. "Oh Me Oh My", the popular dance tune "Rock Steady", "A Brand New Me", "I've Been Loving You Too Long" and "First Snow In Kokomo" were my other standout favorites. Now, many years later, I just had to add this one to my ever growing CD collection a few years ago. I consider this one Aretha at her smoothest.



5. I remember this album from youth. My mother had the original on vinyl and found solace, inspiration and truth in this blissfully soulful offering from Ms. Franklin, the undisputed best female voice America has ever produced. To say that my mother almost wore a hole in this record is an understatement. At the ripe old of 5 I could sing Day Dreaming, All the King's Horses and Rock Steady from memory. And my mother made sure that I knew that I was indeed young, gifted and black! I'm 35 years older now and was happy to find that not only did I still remember the words but now I truly understand what they mean. I can appreciately Ms. Franklin's interpretation of the Beatles' Long and Winding Road as well as Elton John's Border Song. I can feel and identify with the emotions that she imbues into each and every song. More importantly I can truly appreciate Aretha's true gift of soul and artistry. This is one of my favorite albums not only because of the sentimental memories I've attached to it but for the pure beauty of it! If you want to hear Aretha Franklin at her best (not just the hits) get this CD!

5 comments about The Pressure Is On: Original Classic Hits, Vol. 7.

1. after listening to this selection of hank jr.s , there were a few slections that i had been looking for, but forget the titlesi would recommend this selection to any of hank jr.s fans that are looking for a excellent quallity cd!



2. In my opinion, Hank Williams Jr. - when he did it right - was about as good as it gets in country music. You listen to his records like "Old Habits" and "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound" and it is hard to get much better than that. But with this album Hank Jr started showing glimpses of what would become his future...and it's not good. He has a terrible version of "The Tennessee Stud" and everything just seems so overdone. He's best on songs like "I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes", "Ramblin My Shoes" and "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down" - everything else is just filler. And with future albums the filler would get worse until he eventually got to the point he would write things like "This Ain't Dallas" and "Fax Me a Beer". Too bad, terrible waste of talent.



3. The standard of this album is set by the opening track, the classic A country boy can survive. The coalition to ban coalitions is one those political songs that Hank is so good, but this is one that a lot of people can empathize with to some extent, whatever their own political beliefs. Of course, everybody feels like joining one of those coalitions at some time or other, when things or values they treasure are threatened. Tennessee stud is a cover of the classic horse song by Jimmy Driftwood. Rambling in my shoes is a duet with Boxcar Willie, a singer who achieved fame in the UK but, as I understand, remained virtually unknown in his homeland. Boxcar also contributed the train whistle effects. The title track is a smoldering bluesy song.

   All my rowdy friends have settled down, lamenting how his friends no longer spend as much time enjoying themselves drinking, was one of the biggest hits of Hank's hugely successful career. I don't care if tomorrow never comes, a great duet with George Jones, is about having a good time - so perhaps Hank found one rowdy friend he could still drink with. Weatherman is another great bluesy song, in which Hank begs for a change in the weather. Every time I hear that song is another lament, this time remembering someone he misses. The controversial Ballad of Hank Williams, in which Hank makes his views on his father clear to the tune of Battle of New Orleans, completes an outstanding album.

   This is, by Hank's standards, quite a mellow album, proving that he can be brilliant even when he's not being rowdy. Although I normally prefer him when he's rowdy, I enjoy both aspects of his music and the strength of the material here ensures that this is one of my favorite albums of his.




4. This is definitely my all-time favorite Hank album. When I was a kid my dad had this on vinyl and I remember listening to it the night before going fishing in Gettysburg, PA. The memories this album conjures up for me are amazing. My favorite song is probably 'Tennessee Stud' with its "Johnny Cash-like" vocal delivery. Of course the classic 'Country Boy Can Survive' is on this one which is very fun to perform at karaoke by the way. Other highlights include 'Ramblin' In My Shoes' featuring the late great Boxcar Willie, 'Mr Weatherman' which reminds one a bit of Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight', and the title track 'The Pressure Is On' where Hank's Greg Allman influence just shines. In my opinion this CD is a must-have for all country fans. It sounds just as good today as when it was first released and will sound good until we're all gone. It is timeless!!



5. IF you liked Hank 20 years ago, this disc will take you right back to the 1980's! A decidedly invaluable addition to my Hank collection!

5 comments about A Blessing and a Curse.

1. Another reviewer said this album lacks breadth & depth. He must be listening to another album. This is The Drive-By Truckers. This is what they do. If you like them then what's there not to like? I've yet to hear an album of theirs' that isn't a 4-star minimum. Brighter Than Creation's Dark and Pizza Deliverence are definite 5-star records and possibly The Dirty South too which is fantastic. I haven't yet heard Decoration Day or Gangsterbilly but I'm sure they will be great too. Great guitar-based rock music!



2. This is just a fine CD with a good mix of songs. Everybody got a chance on this disc and the songs you maybe didn't like at first grow on you.



3. after reading glowing reviews of the DBTs I picked up three of their cds. While some of the lyrics are strong, the songs have no melodies whatsoever. Most of the arrangements consist of guitars blaring over a terrible singer. They're reputed to be carrying on the tradition of Skynyrd and the Allmans. But those bands weren't just loud guitars...they had memorable tunes and great singers. DBTs are a huge letdown.



4. I don't get these other reviews. This disc if beautiful, deep, and clearly fits into the direction that the band is heading. There are several poignant songs (check out Gravity's Gone, Goodbye, Daylight, and ESPECIALLY Little Bonnie). To say that these are poorly written songs is unbelievable.
   DBT continues to look at real life situations straight in the eye, and lay all of the emotional cards on the table.
   Clunkers on this disc? There may be a couple- I don't like Track #1.... And if you like the really hard stuff (Sink Hole, Careless, Lookout Mtn), you might be put off- it might be a bit mellower than what you're used to.
   Overall, though, just another masterpiece from the boys from Alabama.



5. Most of the reviews here make a whole lot of sense to me, even the bitter ones. This is NOT in the same league as SRO, Decoration Day nor Dirty South. I was expecting something of that calibre but was very dissapointed when I heard it for the first time. Not a heck of alot of depth here, what happened to the songwriting? I couldnt believe all 3 DBT songwriters went into the songwriting tank at the same time. How could this happen to 3 brilliant writers simultaneously?
   
   What I am finding now after about the 50th listen is that although the songwriting is not as interesting, its a fun album to groove to for music itself. The playing on this album is WAY beyond any of there previous outings, it is slick and polished but it sounds great. The guitars duel the drums kick and the vocals are first rate. The songs are good... not great... but you get used to them after a while and find yourself singing along.
   
   Check it out
   
   ML

5 comments about The Bridge.

1. This band played a local outdoor concert this Summer. I had never heard of them, but really liked the music. Based on the live performance I bought the CD. It is a welcome addition to the collection



2. This self-titled CD is the first from the Baltimore, MD group who started out as bluegrass and turned into something entirely different when they decided to add a beat box for percussion. Probably roots is the best description for this group, but it's not a complete one for this bluesy, funky, jazzy sound.
   
   What's great about this freshman effort is you get 12 solid songs with a good runtime. My current favorites are "Get Back Up," "Easy Jane," and "Angelina."
   
   Rebecca Kyle, July 2008



3. This disk is solid from start to finish with a nice blend of funk and rhythm that will stick with you. I can't wait for their next project.



4. This album is solid through and through, time and time again. There are two absolute gems on it in Angelina, which conjurs up one of the most easy going sounds I've ever heard, and Chains, which shows the true energy (and synergy) of this band. Definitely recommend it to anyone who likes their music served like a hot bowl of gumbo.



5. I first heard about The Bridge when a friend caught an opening set of them at an Umphrey's McGee show at Ram's Head Live in Baltimore in early 2006. That summer, without realizing what I was getting myself into (more on that later), I saw a little thing on The Bridge and an upcoming series of their shows at a cozy Baltimore venue called The 8x10, and decided to check it out.
   
   Long story short: I saw them 4 more times over the next 7 weeks, and have since been to 14 more Bridge shows (for a total of 19 shows). They have become far and away my favorite band, and this CD is a perfect studio introduction to their music. That said, no CD can compare to their live music. The Bridge has developed a rabid following in Baltimore (their home) and has, over the past few years, grown to where they are very near breaking through, big time. Their music is 100% worthy of their name - they are known for "bridging" various genres as diverse as soul, bluegrass, jazz, rock n' roll (of course), and even some almost livetronica-sounding jams (at their live shows). Their shows regularly feature a few covers; in the time I've been following them they've covered acts such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Little Feat, Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, James Brown, The Talking Heads, Ray LaMontagne, Traffic, Sublime, and even played Crazy Train at one of their shows a couple years ago.
   
   Cris Jacobs, Kenny Liner, Dave Markowitz, Patrick Rainey, and Mike Gambone. Remember those names, and most importantly buy this CD and get out to a Bridge show (thebridgemusic dot com for the schedule). It won't be long before those of us seeing them now can brag to the rest of the world we knew The Bridge and their music long before they started selling out huge venues and headlining festivals worldwide.

5 comments about Pickin' on Nashville.

1. I bought the CD for Dumas Walker when I heard it on the radio. I found that I really like just about every single song on it. It's great for a good pace on the treadmill!



2. Got the CD quick and it was in excellant shape.



3. This CD contains a combination of music that is very inconsistent, ranging from wonderful combinations that really work to sounding like a local band trying their hardest to play country with rock instruments. The end result is tracks that you wish would last longer and tracks that make you feel ill.
   
   The opening track, "Walk Softly on this Heart of Mine," is one of the best on the CD. This wailing song is improved by its rock reinterpretation. I can say this because I liked Bill Monroe's version first. The song "Dumas Walker" has throwaway lyrics, but they are easy to remember and have a line dance beat that just begs to be played down at the local honky-tonk; slap your knees, stomp your feet and have a beer!
   
   Then the music moves onto some less memorable music. "Rag Top" has a nice beat, but the lyrics are awful, a country equivalent of bubblegum music. Each time I hear this song I want to cringe or skip over it. This song is probably fine for the Saturday night crowd after nine PM. On the other hand, the Saturday night crowd might be throwing the band out after this one. Things get no better with "Rock `n' Roll Angel." The less said about that song the better.
   
   I probably should like "Smooth" no more than I liked the previous couple of songs, but I do like this song. I think it's probably because this song has more of a classic country song with the rock and pop elements lower key than the previous couple of songs. The lyrics are relatively simple and easy to remember, so this song would be a good one for a variety of occasions. Another song that affects a classic style, with a solid rock backbeat, is "High Steppin' Daddy." Once again, this song is so basic and so clearly derivative that I probably should dislike it, but how can you dislike music this fun?
   
   On the other hand, I do not care for the Kentucky Headhunters' cover of "Skip a Rope" at all. The original was introspective and dramatic. This version is sped up and loses all the charm of the original. This song is a slow country sung on uppers, and the Headhunters bring nothing to the table on this song.
   
   Once again the Headhunters redeem themselves on "Some Folks like to Steal." This blues song has a number of wonderful elements and real style. The Kentucky Headhunters would be better served to sing music like this.
   
   While I was severely unimpressed with the cover of "Skip a Rope," I enjoyed the cover of "Oh Lonesome Me" a lot. This song keeps within the feeling of the original, and yet with enough of a new interpretation that the song is interesting. Of course, the original already had rock and roll elements and the Headhunters have just taken that style a bit further, but still close enough to the original for this version to be exciting.
   
   This CD closes with a rocker, "Daddy Was a Milkman." One of the jokes that went around frequently many years ago was that this person's daddy or that person's daddy was the milkman. The Kentucky Headhunters have taken this concept to a musical conception. This song is probably the fastest and most rock-infused of any song on this CD. However, it is also one of the better songs as well. Many country fans will probably not like this song because it has too much rock in it, but fans of country-rock may find this song intriguing.
   
   The Kentucky Headhunters is not likely to make to any of my favorites lists. However, there are some interesting tracks, and some interesting interpretations. My impression is that this is a group that is still trying to find itself. There are suggestions in this music as to where this group should go, but in the meantime they are all over the map in style and consistency, and those characteristics make this CD difficult to recommend and difficult to enjoy without qualifications. This CD is absolutely one that you should try before you buy.



4. This was the first album by the rock-country quintet from Edmonton, Kentucky. It also happened to feature their four biggest hits on the Country charts: "Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine" (#25 hit), "Dumas Walker" (#15 hit), "Oh Lonesome Me" (#8 hit) and "Rock 'N' Roll Angel" (#23 hit). There are some really good songs here, but there are also some rather bad songs here, too (with "Rock 'N' Roll Angel" being one of the bad ones, despite becoming a hit). It's an uneven album, but fans of country music that adds rock to the mix should find something to enjoy here.



5. This group was different - for innovation, they deserved to be major stars, but innovation rarely gets what it deserves in the music industry. Though rooted in traditional country, their music encompasses elements of rockabilly, western swing, and a lot of boogie-woogie. They look more like a metal band than a country group. The group were made up of Greg Martin (lead guitar), Doug Phelps (bass and vocals), Ricky Lee Phelps (lead vocals), Fred Young (drums and percussion) and Richard Young (rhythm guitar). Richard Ripani guests on Oh lonesome me (playing Hammond B3) and Rock'n'roll angel (playing cheesey organ).

   They wrote most of their own songs, the best of the seven on this, their debut album, being Dumas Walker and My daddy was a milkman. They also recorded some fascinating covers, three of which are on this album - Walk softly on this heart of mine (Bill Monroe), Skip a rope (Henson Cargill) and Oh lonesome me (Don Gibson). I'm not sure what the original artists would make of these rocking (but still country) covers, but I love them.

   If you are looking for something different, you might enjoy this album, but it's not quite like anything else I've heard. Still, at the price quoted you won't lose much if it's not to your liking. And if you do enjoy it, you'll think it's a bargain.

5 comments about Strength in Numbers.

1. This is a very decent album. I am not a huge fan, but this album and Special Forces are true classic rock albums. There is not a bad track on this CD. And some of these are some really good rockers!!!
   
   Unfortunately, this was the last good album .38 Special made.



2. I have been a huge fan of .38 Special for a long time. This album, "Strength in Numbers" has been my favorite. I have the album and cassette but not the CD. This album has the best of the songs they have released.



3. "Strength in Numbers" is the 1986 album release from Southern Arena rockers 38 Special. At the time, the band was at the peak of a winning streak crafting albums of upbeat melodic pop-rock with a slight Country tinge. This album is no exception. It's a fantastic album from beginning to finish and displays the band's tight musicality and hook-filled songwriting at its best.
   Guitarist Don Barnes is mostly up front on lead vocals here while main lead singer Donnie Van Zant takes a step back from the microphone until the very end of the album bringing it to a dynamic finish on its final two tracks.
   Tracks such as the hits "Somebody Like You" and "Like No Other Night" were all over the airwaves when this album was released. Other standouts such as "Last Time", "Just A Little Love", "Hearts On Fire" and "Against The Night" are impossible to dislike and contain enough hooks to have you humming in no time. The slower tracks ("Once In A Lifetime" and "Has There Ever Been A Good Goodbye") are equally enjoyable and shows the band tackling ballads as effortless as their trademark rock numbers.
   With all this said, "Strength In Numbers" is a great album and a wonderful trip down memory lane. The album also marked the end of an era for 38 Special. Two years later, the band regrouped with a new line-up without guitarist/singer Don Barnes. Barnes did return to the band a decade later bringing back its signature sound.
   If you can find a copy of "Strength In Numbers" (as I was fortunate enough to find), pick it up. It's worth it.



4. In many ways, it's a mix of their early 80s hard Country tinged rock, and the arena pop/rock of their next album "Rock & Roll Strategy."

   1) Somebody Like You -- Energy packed arena rock minor hit with a slight southern sound. A heartbreak and break-up song these guys do so well. I'm still amazed this didn't become a huge hit.

   2) Like No Other Night -- Another small hit. Similar to the first song, but not quite as poppy or catchy.

   3) Last Time -- Melodic, only slightly less heavy pop tune about this being the 'Last Time' his girl will get another chance again. I don't think it was actually a hit, but I very vaguely *think* I might have heard it played on the radio. (Keep in mind, I was only about 4 years old when this came out). It's also worthy of being a big hit.

   4) Once in a Lifetime -- The first song to be a semi ballad. Not as good as the first three tunes, but another underrated pop masterpiece. Just another reason to pick this entire album up, even if you have a hits package.

   5) Just A Little Love -- More of a Country sounding mid tempo rocker, about how 'Just a little love can go a long way.'

   6) Has There Ever Been A Good Goodbye -- A good question. LOL. A slightly uptempo southern rock ballad which begs this very question. One of the more pop songs of the album.

   7) One in a Million -- Just about the most underrated song in their catalogue. A true ballad, with an '80s poppy, melodic sound. Could have easily been a huge hit. A precursor to what would be on their next album.

   8) Hearts on Fire -- A tougher edged mid tempo rocker sure to please fans of the bands' earlier, heavier work. It's less pop and the most Country sounding song on the album, but it still fits in.

   9) Against the Night -- A masterpiece which never deserved to be just an album track! Melodic, hard pop/rock arena anthem that's just a lot of fun. As an analogy, imagine Journey or Loverboy performing southern fried rock.

   10) Never Give an Inch -- Back to a more basic, mid tempo southern sound. This time, about not giving in. A good, but not great album closer.

   I'm not sure if this CD is even in print anymore. If you're into Eddie Money, Georgia Satellites, Lynyrd Skynard; 80 music; or even Country and you see this somewhere, pick it up! The best songs are actually the non-hits.




5. This was also my first 38 Special CD (actually it was an album), and everytime I play it, it ends too soon. Not a bad cut on this CD. There may have been stronger individual songs on their earlier stuff, but there was a big drop off in effort after that one or two songs, where the rest of the CD was not up to the same quality. Don Barnes had a hand in writing seven of the ten cuts here, and he is usually involved in their better songs. Rarely does he write one alone, but even on Flashback (a greatest hits CD), he was involved in eight of the fourteen cuts there. Not trying to put down the others in the band, but I personally enjoy his stuff the most. The song "Like No Other Night" is my personal favorite, but from beginning to end if you are looking for 38 Special's best that is not on a Greatest Hits package, this is the one you want to start with. The only drawback to buying this one first is that you will never be as pleased with any of the others from beginning to end. I have all but their live CD, and have never regreted having any of them.

5 comments about Book of Shadows.

1. Zakk Wylde is so AWESOME!!!!!!
   This CD is his best work ever
   It's the "softer side " of Zakk but shows his true talents



2. There is a reason why almost every person gave this cd 5 stars. It's one of the best cd's I've ever heard. If your looking for Ozzy or Black Label styles, this is not for you. While this does have subtle textures of both, this is more firmly rooted in the Alice In Chains unplugged, southern acousitc and even folk music. A very heavy sounding acoustic style. Lyrics, production and the music structure are all well thought out.
   Every song on this cd is amazing. NO filler. Highlights would be 'Sold My Soul' and 'Throwin it All Away' with mind numbing guitar solos, 'What Your Lookin For' has a great folky sound to it, kinda in the lines of Neil Young. For the power chord junkies, '1,000,000 Miles Away' is a great hard rock song and the only true 'all electric' song on the whole cd.
   The only reason this cd didn't hit huge was due to Geffen's reaction to it. They were expecting Heavy Metal and nothing else, so they gave this almost no attention. Too bad, would have been huge.



3. I personally enjoyed this album, I have been a fan for awhile, so I must say that I am somewhat biased....



4. Oh man, where to begin? I bought this disc the week it came out and here it is 10 yrs later, and I STILL listen to it regularly. As has been mentioned here, no it's not heavy. That doesn't mean it's not good. Matter of fact, it's great. This disc meant so much to me when I first bought it, that I actually bought a few copies and gave them to friends just so they could hear this. It wasn't everyones cup o' tea but they knew how much it meant to me.



5. From the moment I started listening to this I couldn't stop. This quickly became on of my favorite albums. If you thought it was cool when Alice in Chains release SAP and Jar of Flies, then you WILL enjoy this record. It is an amazing melange of songs that are mellow but still quite heavy. I am genuinely shocked that songs like "Way Beyond Empty" and "Road Back Home" never got air play. While "Hangover Music" comes close, I only hope that Zakk Wylde will decide to make another record of similar style and caliber.

5 comments about The Best of Candi Staton.

1. I GOT THIS CLASSIC 4 TWO SONGS AND I LISTEN TO BOTH OF THEN CONSTANTLY!!
   EVEN BROUGHT ONE FOR MY GOOD FRIEND SO WE CAN ENJOY IT TOGETHER!!



2. What a voice Candi Staton had; I initially just bought this CD for "Young Hearts Run Free" but enjoy most of the others songs as well.



3. The best of Candi Staton's cd is very, very good. I love listening to all the songs. My favorite is "Young hearts run free". Her other 2 hits "Victim" and "When you wake up tomorrow" are nice songs to dance to.



4. These Girls cannot out do Candi Staton, She's the best, I was a child back in the 70's went Young Hearts,Run Free & Victim first came out. I have both of her old 45's Records. I just purchase The Best Of Candi Staton. I listened to samples off her greatest hits.It sounds pretty good. I can't wait to get my copy. Forget Jennifer Lopez because she cannot sings and dance, Mary J.Blige is pretty good, Janet Jackson is okay but she sounds like a winey cat sometimes.



5. When I was under age and sneaking into the gay bars of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I heard "Young Hearts, Run Free" and "Victim" and fell in love with these songs. I never knew who the artist was until I found Candi Staton here on amazon. I bought this Warner Archives release and only listened to those two songs...over & over! Finally I listened to the rest of the cd. WOW! What a great find. I recommend it. Nice mix of old school funk, disco, and ballads.

5 comments about It'll Shine When It Shines.

1. I wasn't much familiar with the Daredevils, but my wife had very fond memories of this album, so I was happy to pick it up on Amazon. Several tunes I recalled from radio play back in the day (aside from the omnipresent Jackie Blue), but with one difference - the vocals on some tunes seem buried in the mix. It's especially noticeable on the rockin' Look Away, where the predominant feature is the rhythm section. Maybe it's my aging ears - has anyone else noticed this?



2. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - just say the name, and what springs to mind? Why, Jackie Blue, of course. But, this band was so much more than just a one hit wonder. The Daredevils, who were originally from Springfield, Missouri, had a very eclectic sound, which this album really shows off. Everything is here from the rocky Look Away, to the bluesy It Couldn't Be Better, to the bluegrass It'll Shine When It Shines.
   
   I must say that I really like this album, much more than I ever thought I would. When I am at work, I pop this album into my computer, and listen to it for hours. I especially like Jackie Blue (well, of course) and It'll Shine When It Shines. This is a great album, one that I really never get tired of. I really like this album and highly recommend it!



3. I first heard of the Ozark Moutain Daredevils in the 70's when my Brother purchased the Album It'll SHine When It Shines throu a record club he was in, I took an instant liking to the band and for years after that we would play this album whenever we got together, however as time went on and our families came along the album was tucked away in a cupboard and forgotten about untill recently when we held a family get together and yes you've guessed it out came the Ozarks although it was a bit scratched after all the playing it had been given in the earlier years, this sent me on a mission to try and source the album on CD which I am please to say I found through Amazon.com. I purchased two CD's from Amazon and presented one to my Brother just after Christmas 2007, I now sit at home some nights and listen in my opinion to one of the best Country/Rock bands ever.
   John
   Aberdeen, Scotland



4. I have been looking for this album for years. It was a favourite of mine and my husband's long before we were married (23 years ago last Saturday!) I was told at a music store here that it was out of print and couldn't be ordered, so was thrilled to find it on Amazon. It sounds as good today as it did all those years ago!



5. I bought this album back in, well, I don't remember when, but it was a very long time ago. Since it was vinyl, it has been sitting in a box in my closet for the better part of 30 years.
   
   I have wanted to listen to it on numerous occasions since then. Unfortunately everything, including my music, is now on CD and "It'll Shine" was not available on CD. In order to listen to it, I would have had to pull out my old turntable, find a place to put the turntable in my current audio system, and hook it up. A real pain in the arse. So, the album stayed where it was, in the closet.
   
   As soon as I saw "It'll Shine When It Shines" was available on CD, I bought it. Oh, the joy!! Nearly brought tears to my eyes. By the end of the first song, "You Made it Right", I was back in full Daredevil mode. "Jackie Blue", arguably their most recoginizable commercial hit, was as pure and purty as ever. Such memories!
   
   If you like you country with a pinch of Bluegrass, a helpin of folk, and a big dollip of rock, you can't go wrong with this album. If I could give it 10 stars I would!

5 comments about Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound: Original Classic Hits, Vol. 4.

1. THIS ALBUM IS AWESOME. I ESPECIALLY LIKE HIS VERSION OF WHITE LIGHTING!! THIS ALBUM IS WHEN HANK WAS IN HIS PRIME. BUY THIS ALBUM.



2. I real enjoyed listening to this cd. There wasnt one song that I didnt like. If you like hank williams jr. you will like this cd.



3. This is pure Hank from the days when we all didn't have to worry about being politically correct. It's an oldie but a goodie.



4. There ain't much to talk about if you'll talk about Hank. His sound is unique and matchless, and this album is one of his diamonds.Listening to this album I can almost see myself in a trashy bar sippin' from my glass of Old Jack. Yeeeowww!! Pure and outlaw country! just the way it should always be.



5. This is where Hank really starts coming true to form as we know him today! Family tradition was a good album but this one is great! Filled with great hits, any Hank fan will truly appreciate this album which includes Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound, O.D.'d in Denver, etc.